The Easy Trail In Hawaii That Will Take You To The Top Of The World
By Megan Shute|Published June 29, 2017
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
From epic two-day backpacking adventures on Kauai’s Na Pali Coast to a plethora of short and easy hikes within the Big Island’s Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and everything in between, you’ll find some of the United States’ best hiking trails right here in Hawaii. With panoramic views, military history, and an awesome trail, one of our favorite hikes can be found on Oahu’s windward coast. The Kaiwa Ridge Trail, also known as the Lanikai Pillboxes, will take you on a journey to the top of the world.
This short, yet steep, hike up to three old U.S. Marine pillboxes on Oahu’s east side provides not only expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, Kailua Bay, Kaneohe, but also the Mokulua Islands and beyond.
You’ll find more than just stellar views on this 1-mile hike; you’ll be able to glimpse into Hawaii’s rich World War II history as well. During the 1940s, the structures were equipped with telescopes, and soldiers would keep watch for enemy ships and send all relevant information back to Kaneohe Bay Naval Air Station.
The pillboxes are now home to a variety of bugs, a great deal of graffiti, and countless locals and tourists hoping for both a killer workout and phenomenal views.
More experienced hikers can even continue along the Kaiwa Ridge Trail past the Lanikai Pillboxes, but the climb to the first pillbox is easily one of Oahu’s most pleasant and picturesque hikes.
The hike is often rated as moderate due to the steep climb at the beginning of the trail and the narrow ridge, but you will undoubtedly find families and kids along the way.
You’ll find the trailhead on Kaelepulu Drive near the Mid Pacific Country Club and Golf Course, but don’t head up the trail without plenty of water, sun protection and sturdy shoes - there is no shade available on the trail, and it gets hot quickly.
The best time to tackle this hike is before the sun rises above the horizon, or early morning before it gets too warm. Plus, the sunrise views are truly second-to-none.
